Mitch Hoare is the Founder & CEO of The Human Cloud, a marketplace for the marketing, advertising and media industry, to support people laid off during COVID-19.

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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

I started life as a professional Rugby Union Player in the UK with Wasps and Blackheath RFC, before working in recruitment. I moved to Sydney in 2002 where my London based firm asked me to run the Australian operation.

There after I launched my own firm, Mitch & Partners which I run concurrently with my latest initiative The Human Cloud a marketplace for the marketing, advertising and media industry, to support those employees laid off during COVID.

2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

Up at 6am, meditate then exercise. I work from home so at my desk between 730-8am. I’m a list person so will have this written the night before with things to action for the next day.

Normally between 5-10 things that I want to make sure get sorted that day, irrespective of what my diary looks like. I have my kids here from Victoria for school holidays currently, so right now I’m juggling work, the new business launch, surf lessons and daddy day care.

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?

Given I work from home, like all other remote workers you get an extra 2 hours a day back than being in an office/on site.

As a consequence your day is really fluid, the first 2 hours are your most productive and it enables you to really manage your own time, step away from your desk and still be more productive than being in an office.

The only challenge is knowing when to switch off and be present, as remote working can “blend” work-life so there’s not the clear separation you might normally have.

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

I don’t refer to work-life balance personally. It all blends into one and is just life. Society has shaped what the working “norm” is supposed to be, but if you ask employers and employees now, this legacy thinking is just that.

When given the freedom to manage your day without interruption, not only do I find I’m more productive, I also naturally balance my day by stepping away from the desk as and when I feel the need.

5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?

Regular meditation followed by exercise has been a game changer. This sets your day up to tackle anything and you sleep better.

6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

I read anything that Richard Branson has written in addition to following Elon Musk and Warren Buffet.

7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?

No, I’m not an app person and avoid social media other than Instagram where I share “family fun”.

8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?

Richard Branson because the Virgin culture has always been ahead of its time. COVID has forced businesses to think about their operating model and how companies can keep their staff engaged and motivated. Virgin have been doing this since the 70’s.

9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

If you love what you do then work-life balance just meshes into one. During COVID I pivoted to The Human Cloud to make a difference whilst launching a business.

I’ve loved every minute and the days just roll into each other. There will always be someone with more money or a bigger boat.

Find happiness in yourself and the rest will take care of itself. Don’t focus on the “I want to be rich,” focus on the journey. The riches are just a by-product that will come with that focus.

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